Sooners Defeat Wyoming in Home Opener

Saturday, November 23

Norman, Okla.

1:30 PM

University of Oklahoma

Wyoming

November 23, 2024 | Wrestling

Results Photo Gallery

By: OU Athletics Communications

NORMAN — The No. 22 Oklahoma wrestling team picked up its second Big 12 victory in the Sooners' home opener, topping Wyoming 27-6 on Saturday afternoon at McCasland Field House.

The Sooners (2-0, 2-0 Big 12) won their first four matches to take a 13-0 lead in the dual, an advantage they would hold on to until the final whistle. Two of OU's eight wins on the day came with bonus points. The afternoon was highlighted by a pair of dramatic finishes, including a sudden victory win by junior Willie McDougald and a last second takedown by Tate Picklo which delivered three team points for the Sooners.

"I'm really proud of our guys' effort today," said head coach Roger Kish. "We have a lot of experience on this team, and everyone feeds off each other's energy. The 10 guys I watched take the mat today are all leaders."

Wrestling at 125 pounds, senior No. 29 Antonio Lorenzo set the tone early with a 3-2 upset of Wyoming's No. 2 Jore Volk. Lorenzo used a third period takedown to knock off the 2024 All-American.

No. 18 Cleveland Belton notched his second straight victory with an 8-4 decision over Wyoming's David Saenz. Two takedowns and a reversal was all that was needed for the Oregon State transfer to notch his first victory at McCasland Field House.

At 141, No. 14 Mosha Schwartz looked right at home with a 14-6 major decision over the Cowboys' No. 27 Cole Brooks. In an action-packed second period, Schwartz picked up a four-point nearfall, an escape and two minutes of riding time to take a 12-3 lead into the third. The senior added one more escape in the final period to seal the deal.

No. 21 Willie McDougald trailed 4-1 heading into the third period before rallying with a takedown and escape to send the bout into extra time. In sudden victory, the Niagra Falls, N.Y., native needed just eight seconds to land a takedown and earn the 8-5 SV-1 win.

In an absolute thriller at 165 pounds, No. 31 Tate Picklo channeled his clutch gene by scoring a last second takedown at the buzzer, his only of the match, to steal a 5-4 decision win from Wyoming's Cooper Voorhees.

Another Sooner transfer competing at McCasland for the first time in a crimson singlet, No. 8 Gaven Sax shut out Brett McIntosh 15-0 in the 174-pound bout to take the tech fall victory. The North Dakota State transfer has outscored opponents 21-0 in dual action so far this season.

DJ Parker (184) held on for a 4-3 decision win against Eddie Neitenbach, while heavyweight Juan Mora stayed perfect on the season with a 7-6 victory over Kevin Zimmer.

OU's Carter Schubert (157) was defeated by No. 22 Jared Hill in a 4-2 decision. No. 31 Bradley Hill was topped by No. 16 Joey Novak, 3-1 at 197 pounds.

The Sooners will be back in action on Friday, Dec. 6 as they host Central Michigan in a nonconference showdown at McCasland Field House. First match is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.

For updates and more information on Oklahoma wrestling, follow the Sooners on Twitter and Instagram (@OU_W restling) and like Oklahoma W restling on Facebook.

#22 Oklahoma 27, Wyoming 6
125: #29 Antonio Lorenzo (OU) over #2 Jore Volk (WYO), 3-2 | OU 3, WYO 0
133: #18 Cleveland Belton (OU) over David Saenz (WYO), 8-4 | OU 6, WYO 0
141: #14 Mosha Schwartz (OU) over #27 Cole Brooks (WYO), MD 14-6 | OU 10, WYO 0
149: #21 Willie McDougald (OU) over #19 Gabe Willochell (WYO), 8-5 SV-1 | OU 13, WYO 0
157: #22 Jared Hill (WYO) over Carter Schubert (OU), 4-2 | OU 13, WYO 3
165: #31 Tate Picklo (OU) over Cooper Voorhees (WYO), 5-4 | OU 16, WYO 3
174: #8 Gaven Sax (OU) over Brett McIntosh (WYO), TF 15-0 | OU 21, WYO 3
184: #24 DJ Parker (OU) over Eddie Neitenbach (WYO), 4-3 | OU 24, WYO 3
197: #16 Joey Novak (WYO) over #31 Bradley Hill (OU), 3-1 | OU 24, WYO 6
285: #24 Juan Mora (OU) over Kevin Zimmer (WYO), 7-6 | OU 27, WYO 6